Classic Poem

When those who hang upon these walls, so drawn
In ancient dresses, but in youthful bloom,
In life and health were moving through the room,
Or walk'd with joy and smiles upon the lawn,
Or rode, with horn and hounds, at early dawn,
O'er lofty hill, or through the woody coomb;
Before the darkness of the sculptur'd tomb
Around their marble-curtain'd heads was drawn;

The times were hardly gone when on the height
The hoary castle stood, and in the dell
Arose the abbey with its lofty tow'r;

And in the golden glow of evening light
Were heard the choral hymn, and vesper bell;
And wand'ring spirits claim'd the midnight hour.